Meet Tanya Henson, this month’s multidimensional WV Artist on Display. She is a seasoned artist with the ability to create almost anything through upcycling techniques. Tanya is a dog loving, fire dancing, kayaking and camping fiend, wherein she is always looking for cool sticks and pretty rocks to add to my creations. We came across Tanya at Patina in downtown Lewisburg, where she recently became a vendor. While her specialty is upcycled jewelry, made from river rock, glass or aged silverware, she also makes guardian bells from the ends of butter knives. She also concentrates on wind chimes, birdbaths from vintage glassware, dragonflies from ceiling fan blades and table legs, tiki torches from liquor bottles, lanterns from pineapple juice cans, pendant lights from melted records.

Tanya describes herself as a local gal who graduated Greenbrier East, left for college to study interior design, and moved back to West Virginia about 15 years ago. “You can take the girl out of the mountains but never the mountains out of the girl,” she tells us. Learn more about Tanya with our Q&A:

“I love made by me.. I have a couple of bracelets and some angel bells. And I want lots more..” – Shelly Walkup.  <3

What’s your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest achievement is overcoming a rough childhood and raising 2 extremely smart and beautiful daughters.

What obstacles do you need to overcome to find your creative space/muse?

My biggest problem would be creating an at home work schedule.

How do you find your inspiration?

I find my inspiration walking in nature.

What advice do you have for other artists?

My advice to other artists would be never to give up on your dream try try and try again. I have really been at this almost 20 years.

“Unique well made one-of-a-kind jewelry and art” – Troy Nanney.

What is your favorite piece(s) you’ve made and why?

I absolutely love all my art and don’t really have a favorite but I’ll have to say my guardian bells are a big hit.

How can our readers purchase your pieces?

All of my art can be found at Patina and on most Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds. If you would like to reach out to me, the best way to contact me is @madebyme on facebook.

– HashtagWV #111. March 2019.